Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by Annabel Steadman (née Church) (MR 2005-10)

About the Book

This is the first novel in the five-part award winning Skandar series. The series has been highly praised as the biggest fantasy series since Harry Potter.

Thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider. To be one of the lucky few selected to hatch a unicorn. To bond with it for life; to train together and race for glory; to be a hero.

But just as Skandar’s dream is about to come true, things start to take a more dangerous turn than he could ever have imagined. A dark and twisted enemy has stolen the Island’s most powerful unicorn – and as the threat grows ever closer, Skandar discovers a secret that could blow apart his world forever . . .

Recommended for:

• Harry Potter lovers
• Ages 9+
• Fans for the fantasy genre, including themes of magic, heroes and unicorns

About the OKS Author

Annabel Steadman (née Church) attended King’s in Marlowe House from 2005 to 2010. During her time at King’s she was a keen actress, taking part in the school production of Les Misérables in 2007. Annabel was also an avid fencer at her time at King’s and was awarded the Cambridge Fencing Blue in 2012.

Since leaving King’s and achieving her Law degree from The University of Cambridge, Annabel has been awarded a wealth of literary achievements for her Skander series including the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2022, Indie Children’s Book of the Year 2023, and New York Times Bestseller. In recognition of this, Steadman has just signed film rights to Sony Pictures, so we can expect to see OKS on the big screen soon. Annabel releases her first adult book Timeless in 2026.

Annabel is still very much involved with King’s. She is a member of the OKS Trust, who help financially support pupils and OKS seeking postgraduate studies. We are also excited that she will be delivering a talk to the Morpurgo Society on Tuesday 11 March.